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λογος_n αυτοπιστος_n or_o scripture_n self-evidence_n to_o prove_v its_o existence_n authority_n certainty_n in_o itself_o and_o sufficiency_n in_o its_o kind_n to_o ascertain_v other_o that_o it_o be_v inspire_a of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n publish_a as_o a_o plea_n for_o protestant_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o intend_v only_o for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n isa._n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n john_n 5._o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n canonica_n autoritas_fw-la veteris_fw-la &_o novi_fw-la testamenti_fw-la quae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la consirmata_fw-la temporibus_fw-la per_fw-la successiones_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la &_o propagationes_fw-la ecclesiâ—rum_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o sede_fw-la quâdam_fw-la sublimitèr_fw-la constituta_fw-la est_fw-la aug._n contr_n faust._n ma._n 1._o 11._o c._n 5._o london_n print_v for_o edward_n brewster_n and_o be_v to_o be_v 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have_v be_v make_v in_o many_o age_n and_o do_v not_o coin_v a_o new_a faith_n never_o before_o hear_v of_o we_o be_v not_o calvinist_n or_o lutheran_n though_o so_o miscall_v by_o some_o but_o christian_n as_o luther_n calvin_n and_o other_o be_v in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n stand_v to_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o forefather_n all_o along_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o sufficient_o make_v good_a by_o the_o vote_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n unto_o who_o our_o learned_a have_v appeal_v as_o unto_o judge_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o the_o father_n never_o so_o ancient_a or_o learned_a but_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o count_v and_o call_v our_o father_n and_o master_n as_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n only_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o father_n thus_o far_o as_o to_o produce_v they_o for_o our_o witness_n and_o know_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o allege_v their_o testimony_n because_o they_o own_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o now_o do_v and_o though_o the_o appellation_n of_o protestant_n be_v occasion_v in_o the_o last_o age_n by_o the_o protestation_n make_v against_o the_o interim_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o successor_n to_o those_o who_o have_v for_o many_o age_n before_o protest_v against_o the_o addition_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o can_v therefore_o plead_v antiquity_n and_o succession_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o better_a too_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o and_o by_o this_o be_v we_o confirm_v in_o it_o viz._n that_o we_o profess_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v from_o christ_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n churches_n hence_o we_o say_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o tenet_n of_o our_o adversary_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o many_o age_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o the_o apostle_n beside_o we_o know_v that_o custom_n beside_o or_o i._n against_o truth_n be_v but_o a_o old_a error_n and_o whatsoâ—…ver_o be_v against_o truth_n be_v a_o heresy_n though_o never_o so_o old_a truth_n be_v old_a than_o error_n and_o good_a be_v before_o any_o evil_n and_o so_o we_o consent_v that_o what_o be_v first_o be_v best_a but_o that_o our_o adversary_n tenet_n be_v such_o we_o deny_v and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o early_o enough_o and_o too_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o long_o ere_o sin_v get_v into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v after_o god_n have_v make_v man_n righteous_a our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o correct_v many_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v long_o receive_v and_o go_v for_o currant_n by_o oppose_v his_o word_n against_o they_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o justify_v we_o in_o what_o we_o hold_v that_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n and_o this_o our_o adversary_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o marvel_n that_o they_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o raise_v doubt_n and_o question_n about_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o let_v we_o once_o let_v scripture_n go_v as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o our_o faith_n be_v go_v also_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scripture_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v why_o every_o man_n may_v not_o coin_n a_o faith_n to_o himself_o and_o say_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n yea_o deny_v christ_n and_o all_o christianity_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o prove_v it_o beside_o the_o scripture_n or_o how_o can_v we_o disprove_v any_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o device_n of_o man_n without_o it_o o_o let_v we_o never_o think_v of_o turn_v from_o the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o we_o follow_v all_o those_o champion_n who_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v to_o part_v with_o it_o 3._o consider_v what_o and_o how_o much_o we_o lose_v if_o we_o hold_v not_o fast_o this_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o our_o adversary_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o so_o much_o this_o way_n they_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o let_v go_v this_o and_o all_o be_v go_v and_o they_o say_v true_o in_o it_o for_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o sure_a foot_n if_o scripture_n authority_n be_v such_o as_o they_o will_v make_v it_o we_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o separation_n be_v that_o they_o hold_v and_o practise_v so_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o hereupon_o we_o resolve_v to_o communicate_v no_o long_o with_o they_o because_o we_o can_v not_o admit_v what_o we_o judge_v sinful_a as_o be_v against_o or_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o only_a rule_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o quarrel_n between_o we_o for_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o difference_n with_o they_o we_o still_o be_v on_o the_o negative_a part_n and_o why_o so_o sure_o because_o our_o difference_n be_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o hold_v beside_o and_o against_o scripture_n for_o in_o these_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v what_o they_o affirm_v i_o say_v again_o bind_v sub_fw-la poenâ_fw-la of_o lose_v all_o our_o profession_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v protestant_n in_o opposition_n to_o papist_n and_o this_o let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sober_a and_o intelligent_a judge_n of_o for_o let_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n what_o be_v become_v of_o scripture_n may_v i_o not_o just_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v something_o or_o a_o mere_a empty_a nothing_o what_o can_v it_o be_v at_o best_o more_o than_o a_o cipher_n which_o we_o know_v in_o number_v stand_v for_o nothing_o unless_o a_o figure_n be_v put_v to_o it_o tradition_n say_v they_o be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o can_v ascertain_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o than_o what_o be_v scripture_n more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o tradition_n be_v it_o which_o give_v spirit_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o even_o where_o our_o adversary_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o church_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o take_v that_o for_o the_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o for_o many_o age_n whatever_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n the_o church_n say_v they_o can_v err_v and_o so_o say_v we_o but_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o agree_v for_o all_o this_o for_o they_o mean_v no_o other_o church_n than_o their_o own_o and_o this_o say_v they_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o from_o the_o apostle_n be_v deliver_v at_o first_o and_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o succesfive_o in_o all_o age_n and_o it_o now_o rest_v only_o among_o roman_a catholic_n god_n have_v and_o ever_o have_v say_v we_o a_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n who_o do_v not_o indeed_o can_v not_o because_o of_o god_n promise_n err_v in_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o we_o can_v admit_v their_o church_n and_o this_o to_o be_v all_o one_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o church_n shall_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o necessary_a save_a truth_n but_o let_v our_o adversary_n show_v we_o if_o they_o can_v one_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o any_o generation_n of_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n seed_n and_o be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o until_o the_o promise_a seed_n come_v israel_n so_o long_o continue_v to_o be_v god_n people_n because_o of_o his_o promise_n but_o god_n have_v no_o one_o people_n of_o one_o stock_n and_o kindred_n ever_o since_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v make_v any_o such_o promise_n for_o many_o who_o be_v once_o a_o people_n to_o god_n afterward_o become_v none_o and_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v none_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o shall_v be_v such_o when_o he_o please_v to_o call_v they_o hence_o we_o count_v nothing_o of_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o personal_a and_o
god_n so_o that_o my_o work_n be_v to_o let_v other_o see_v the_o light_n wherein_o scripture_n show_v itself_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o this_o undertake_n charge_n papist_n as_o deny_v in_o term_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o they_o grant_v it_o in_o a_o sort_n when_o they_o say_v the_o church_n testimony_n make_v it_o not_o authentical_a and_o canonical_a in_o itself_o but_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o can_v otherwise_o be_v ascertain_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n 3._o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n so_o as_o to_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a since_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o prove_v as_o there_o will_v not_o be_v some_o to_o make_v exception_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o god_n existence_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o deny_v or_o question_n i._o christ_n come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o christian_n dare_v say_v or_o think_v he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n yet_o all_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v for_o that_o purpose_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o of_o his_o countryman_n and_o kindred_n that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n christ._n all_o that_o i_o can_v reasonable_o design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n that_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v itself_o to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n though_o many_o have_v not_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o 4._o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n so_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o may_v become_v his_o infinite_a and_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n hence_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o concern_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v his_o creature_n to_o serve_v he_o for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n now_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o i_o may_v ask_v this_o question_n viz._n if_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o be_v it_o and_o this_o will_v lie_v hard_a upon_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v one_o only_o true_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o show_v some_o other_o and_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v in_o his_o write_a word_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v discuss_v hereafter_o and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o and_o wherein_o scripture_n speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v that_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o so_o punctual_o and_o perfect_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o particular_n which_o concern_v his_o glory_n or_o man_n everlasting_a happiness_n as_o scripture_n do_v to_o enforce_v this_o a_o little_a we_o ready_o grant_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o light_n show_v we_o somewhat_o yea_o very_o much_o of_o god_n and_o concern_v our_o duty_n towards_o he_o but_o how_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v this_o light_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o shine_v out_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o how_o shall_v it_o both_o be_v of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n can_v possible_o contradict_v another_o nay_o further_o as_o scripture_n consent_v to_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o it_o reprove_v the_o neglect_n and_o incite_v to_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v show_v in_o many_o particular_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o how_o dim_a and_o dark_a be_v nature_n light_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o god_n when_o it_o teach_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n and_o in_o these_o for_o aught_o any_o can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v light_a from_o god_n people_n who_o have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o all_o those_o offering_n of_o they_o be_v lie_v vanity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o any_o the_o least_o apprebension_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n and_o what_o revelation_n have_v god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a concernment_n beside_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o learned_a heathen_n so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o work_n as_o god_n reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o papist_n i_o hope_v will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o propitiation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n now_o how_o come_v we_o and_o they_o to_o know_v this_o great_a mystery_n if_o we_o learn_v it_o not_o from_o scripture_n and_o can_v any_o but_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purge_a sin_n and_o sanctify_v our_o sinful_a nature_n what_o have_v any_o heathen_n do_v by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a light_n they_o have_v indeed_o many_o of_o they_o commend_a virtue_n to_o the_o sky_n and_o exhort_v other_o to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v that_o moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v labour_v to_o promote_v among_o man_n be_v it_o not_o of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n and_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o long_o since_o print_v and_o only_o say_v though_o many_o heathen_n by_o their_o natural_a light_n discover_v many_o vice_n to_o shun_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v sober_a just_a and_o temperate_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o yet_o all_o this_o moral_a righteousness_n in_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o different_a as_o a_o live_a man_n and_o his_o statue_n or_o picture_n though_o draw_v as_o we_o say_v to_o the_o life_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o true_a holiness_n consist_v especial_o in_o the_o inward_a impression_n and_o disposition_n which_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o inclination_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n immediate_o such_o as_o meet_v moralist_n never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o fountain_n and_o root_n within_o from_o whence_o spring_v all_o that_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n and_o purity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n and_o all_o be_v from_o a_o man_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n and_o receive_v from_o he_o a_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o deny_v viz._n that_o all_o spiritual_a good_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n we_o conclude_v scripture_n to_o be_v write_v with_o god_n finger_n because_o no_o other_o than_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o glorious_a truth_n to_o we_o let_v it_o be_v show_v we_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v they_o and_o who_o write_v they_o if_o god_n do_v not_o once_o we_o think_v it_o a_o rational_a and_o unquestionable_a conclusion_n that_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o we_o find_v in_o it_o the_o only_a way_n of_o our_o access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purify_n we_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a for_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o why_o even_o because_o god_n alone_o can_v teach_v we_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v conceive_v all_o this_o while_n we_o grant_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o some_o man_n before_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o expect_v papist_n will_v not_o send_v we_o
it_o much_o rather_o then_o aâ—…y_a thing_n else_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o care_v so_o little_a sore_a tradition_n because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v we_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o by_o receive_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v when_o papist_n attribute_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n for_o ascertain_v scripture_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o in_o it_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n so_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v that_o he_o can_v no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v little_o better_a for_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v have_v know_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o to_o declâ—…re_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o to_o ascertain_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n uz._n a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v so_o make_v as_o man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v wherefore_o though_o papist_n say_v of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o bear_v record_v of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a we_o answer_v as_o christ_n answer_v for_o himself_o though_o it_o bear_v record_n of_o itself_o yet_o its_o record_n be_v true_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v understand_v his_o mind_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v and_o not_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o man_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o to_o ascertain_v they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v we_o can_v speak_v to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v who_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o papist_n must_v have_v some_o other_o to_o pass_v their_o word_n for_o he_o before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ascertain_v we_o beyond_o all_o further_a question_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n only_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n successive_o convey_v down_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v enlarge_v in_o our_o answer_n yet_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o intend_a breviy_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v so_o do_v in_o all_o age_n we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v but_o we_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n such_o as_o papist_n plead_v for_o or_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o stand_v to_o affirm_v we_o do_v not_o beâ—…ieve_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o believe_v it_o such_o for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n though_o no_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o have_v these_o man_n this_o doctrine_n or_o how_o come_v then_o by_o it_o have_v they_o it_o not_o in_o scripture_n christ_n indeed_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o pen_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n or_o that_o the_o next_o church_n receive_v any_o doctrine_n other_o than_o be_v therein_o record_v so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v ephes._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o not_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o believe_v scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v it_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n god_n have_v his_o secretary_n who_o write_v his_o will_n and_o command_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o man_n have_v be_v call_v and_o such_o as_o submit_v and_o come_v in_o have_v be_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n hence_o the_o church_n we_o say_v have_v more_o need_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n than_o scripture_n have_v of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o protestant_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n questionless_a when_o god_n shall_v judge_v all_o by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o will_v try_v all_o church_n and_o man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v we_o leave_v papist_n to_o inquire_v for_o we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a tale_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o witting_o to_o hide_v it_o from_o posterity_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n such_o lie_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o damn_v they_o now_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o all_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n as_o not_o to_o procure_v willing_o or_o witting_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v say_v we_o tradition_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o tradition_n or_o deliver_v any_o matter_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v and_o must_v be_v uncertain_a yea_o and_o soon_o fail_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o record_n whereupon_o to_o bottom_v it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o the_o first_o age_n god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v his_o will_v be_v make_v know_v from_o father_n to_o son_n after_o he_o have_v once_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o to_o tradition_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o renew_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o occasion_v require_v and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o those_o patriarch_n live_v ten_o time_n so_o long_o as_o any_o have_v ordinary_o live_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o when_o afterward_o abraham_n seed_n be_v grow_v into_o a_o multitude_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n enroll_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n hence_o we_o think_v it_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n think_v his_o will_n write_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a and_o certain_a then_o as_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n once_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v without_o write_v it_o all_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v so_o as_o all_o flesh_n have_v pervert_v their_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o adam_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v if_o tradition_n can_v possible_o fail_v or_o how_o come_v the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o idol_n so_o as_o abraham_n must_v be_v call_v out_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n who_o posterity_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n deliver_v to_o they_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o we_o wonder_v how_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v so_o soon_o and_o that_o not_o among_o a_o few_o but_o all_o the_o world_n over_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v rise_v
and_o meaning_n in_o iâ—…_n and_o so_o we_o produce_v they_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o question_n as_o man_n do_v their_o write_a evidence_n in_o a_o trial_n at_o law_n will_v it_o be_v allow_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o a_o lawyer_n if_o any_o such_o can_v possible_o be_v find_v shall_v evade_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n by_o abstract_v the_o letter_n from_o the_o sense_n all_o man_n of_o common_a reason_n know_v that_o write_v evidence_n be_v intend_v to_o show_v man_n sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o that_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o sense_n can_v be_v separate_v though_o every_o puny_a sophister_n can_v distinguish_v they_o in_o this_o distinguish_n between_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o say_v that_o protestant_n have_v only_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n we_o can_v guess_v at_o no_o design_n but_o this_o that_o 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v we_o run_v as_o far_o as_o rome_n to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n thence_o and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v it_o senâ—…ed_v as_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o by_o some_o of_o they_o for_o instance_n â—…ehold_v here_o be_v two_o sword_n lâ—…ke_v 22._o 38._o that_o be_v the_o pope_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spiâ—…itual_a and_o temporal_a sword_n then_o â—…ast_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o fâ—…et_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o fi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d pâ—…l_n 8._o 6_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n heb._n 2._o but_o the_o roman_a sense_n be_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n by_o catteâ—…_n they_o will_v have_v we_o understand_v man_n on_o earth_n by_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n the_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n and_o the_o bird_n be_v the_o bless_a soul_n in_o heaven_n or_o as_o they_o all_o seem_v to_o sense_n that_o command_n of_o christ_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o drink_v you_o not_o not_o all_o of_o this_o these_o seem_v foâ—…_n certain_a to_o make_v neither_o the_o letter_n nor_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n bâ—…t_v someâ—…hat_o else_o but_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n obâ—…_n say_v they_o see_v the_o letter_n speak_v thing_n otherwise_o then_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o letter_n attribute_n hand_n and_o sit_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d which_o must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o imagine_v see_v he_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d we_o need_v not_o for_o all_o this_o be_v behold_v sol._n to_o tradition_n oâ—…_n seek_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n our_o reason_n if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o help_v we_o will_v reach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v no_o limb_n nor_o sense_n as_o we_o man_n have_v and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v to_o make_v any_o representation_n of_o god_n in_o any_o bodily_a shape_n as_o know_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o represent_v god_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o any_o creature_n what_o reasonable_a man_n can_v be_v ignerant_a that_o god_n hand_n 〈◊〉_d his_o power_n and_o his_o eye_n his_o providence_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o such_o expression_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o inâ—…rmity_n to_o say_v no_o more_o these_o reason_n be_v no_o better_a than_o 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v best_a 〈◊〉_d by_o take_v least_o notice_n oâ—…_n they_o for_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v the_o ministry_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n so_o 〈◊〉_d el_fw-es have_v a_o law_n and_o priest_n to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o malac._n 2._o 7._o and_o we_o have_v a_o precedent_n record_v nâ—…hem_n 8._o 8._o and_o we_o think_v that_o papist_n meaning_n be_v the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n at_o the_o pâ—…iests_n lip_n see_v they_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v no_o bibles_n but_o what_o need_v they_o make_v such_o ado_n about_o this_o be_v they_o or_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o all_o the_o great_a necessary_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v set_v down_o so_o plain_o in_o scripture_n as_o no_o man_n can_v miss_v of_o the_o true_a sense_n if_o he_o do_v but_o read_v they_o with_o deliberation_n there_o be_v no_o translation_n but_o have_v all_o these_o and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o if_o he_o will_v but_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o this_o be_v the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o give_v we_o a_o plain_a and_o a_o easy_a rule_n what_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o exercise_v our_o diligence_n yet_o all_o the_o necessary_a save_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v open_a and_o obvious_a to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o that_o end_n thus_o god_n have_v write_v law_n as_o man_n do_v for_o such_o as_o be_v concern_v and_o both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o all_o if_o they_o will_v do_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o it_o there_o be_v record_n of_o man_n law_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o original_n and_o there_o be_v statute-b_a ok_n print_v for_o man_n to_o read_v and_o know_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o transgress_v these_o law_n be_v question_v and_o punish_v though_o there_o be_v many_o that_o can_v read_v they_o because_o they_o know_v not_o a_o letter_n for_o it_o be_v just_o and_o reasonable_o presuâ—…ed_v that_o all_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o law_n so_o much_o as_o concern_v they_o and_o so_o may_v our_o people_n say_v we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o it_o therefore_o such_o query_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n &_o c._n be_v no_o better_o than_o quibble_n they_o that_o bâ—…sie_n themselves_o to_o trouble_v we_o with_o such_o captious_a question_n may_v do_v well_o to_o bestow_v their_o pain_n about_o some_o other_o who_o may_v give_v they_o more_o thanks_o than_o we_o can_v for_o their_o labour_n i_o mean_v our_o 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